In a landmark development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Airlines, has announced the launch of the airline’s direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, a move he describes as transformative for both the airline and the nation’s global connectivity.
Speaking on the milestone, Onyema credited the success to a combination of strategic planning, rigorous diplomatic engagement, and support from the Nigerian government. He noted that securing a coveted Heathrow slot was no small feat, but the achievement promises to make Europe more accessible to Nigerian travelers while drastically reducing airfares from a staggering $13,000 to just $3,000, a step he says makes international travel significantly more affordable.
“This is not just a win for Air Peace; it’s a win for Nigeria,” Onyema said. “Government support has been instrumental in enabling private sector growth, which ultimately benefits our economy. Competition has driven prices down, and passengers are the ultimate winners.”
Beyond cost savings, Onyema highlighted the airline’s broader connectivity strategy. Travelers flying from Nigeria to London can now seamlessly continue their journeys to destinations such as the United States, Canada, and China, with Air Peace handling luggage transfers, an innovation he believes sets the airline apart from its competitors.
Onyema also underscored the importance of improving domestic transit infrastructure, emphasizing that transit-friendly airports are vital to the expansion of Nigerian aviation. He commended government responsiveness, including policy adjustments and support from customs and immigration authorities, for making operations smoother and more efficient.
On the subject of pricing, Onyema pointed out that aviation remains largely dollarized, with fuel accounting for a major portion of operational costs. Nevertheless, Air Peace has successfully brought ticket prices down to levels more accessible for ordinary Nigerians.
Addressing questions about why Air Peace has not gone public, Onyema explained that the company is focused on building a strong foundation and ensuring local economic benefits before listing on the stock market.
“We aim to remain solid before going public, to safeguard long-term sustainability and protect the economy,” he said.
With these strategic moves, Air Peace is positioning itself not only as a leading airline in Nigeria but also as a game-changer in making international travel more seamless, affordable, and passenger-friendly.
